Take a brilliant, prolific composer whose work formed the soundtrack for the ’40’s and ’50’s. Add a terrific artistic production team. Mix in five likably talented young singers. You now have the formula for the vivacious, heartfelt musical revue, guaranteed to touch the heart and caress the soul, that plays in rep with Theo Ubique's Jeff Award-winning “Light in the Piazza.” It’s another jewel of a show audiences won’t want to miss.
Taking about three dozen of Styne’s 1,500 songs composed for Broadway, television, film and the pop music scene, Musical Director and accompanist Aaron Benham is largely responsible for much of the magic happening inside the No Exit Cafe this time around. His arrangements of the Jule Styne’s most familiar standards will make audiences think they’re hearing them for the first time. For instance, Benham’s 5-part choral rendition of “People,” usually a solo number, warms like a gentle spring shower, while his medley blending “It’s Been a Long, Long Time,” “Comes Once in a Lifetime” and the gorgeous “Time After Time” closes the show with wink and a smile. David Heimann and Choreographer Emily Rogers have smartly staged each song like a soliloquy or a scene. And Adam Veness has transformed his lovely Italian “...Piazza” set into the great hall of Grand Central Station.
The cast sparkles both individually and as an ensemble. Khaki Pixley delights, especially in her film noir interpretation of “If You Hadn’t (But You Did).” Christopher Logan is the slick song-and-dance man in “All I Need is the Girl,” and Andrew Sickel charms with his “Being Good.” Danielle Brothers’ voice is like a fine wine, especially during “Make Someone Happy.” And beautiful Stephanie Herman, delectable with “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” radiates with sensuality and knowing humor, “Time After Time.”
Reviewed by Centerstage!
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